After over a year of attacks, Israel has decided to fully occupy Gaza. Following cabinet approval, 60,000 reservists were called up. The operation is planned in several stages, aiming to conclude by early 2026, with reports suggesting it will begin on September 2.

 

Dursunoğlu explained that the occupation plan pits three forces against each other: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition partner and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s desire to annex Gaza, the Israeli military’s skepticism about this possibility, and the social tension caused by attempts to draft Haredi Jews—who have long been exempt from military service. Haredim, making up 10% of Israel’s population and studying in religious schools, traditionally refuse to serve, and their conscription has sparked serious societal divisions.

 

Highlighting the political fallout, Dursunoğlu said: “Netanyahu’s government is supported by ultra-religious parties opposing Haredi conscription. However, the army needs soldiers, and other social groups object that they risk their lives while others avoid service. The military opposes the Gaza occupation realistically, but Netanyahu’s war-supporting cabinet members threaten to break the coalition if the occupation does not proceed.”

 

‘NETANYAHU SEEKS TO PRESERVE POWER’

 

Dursunoğlu argued Netanyahu’s insistence on war is driven by his desire to maintain power. This has led to public dissatisfaction, exemplified by a million-person protest, and dissent within the military, where some question, “Are we sacrificial lambs for your political survival?” said Dursunoğlu and added: “The coalition’s extremist factions warn that failure to occupy Gaza and reject prisoner exchanges will dissolve the government. The military fears the high cost but ultimately yielded to government pressure to approve the occupation plan.”

 

‘THE OCCUPATION MEANS FORCED DISPLACEMENT’

 

Dursunoğlu emphasized that expelling Gaza’s population amounts to forced displacement of two million people. Potential destinations discussed include Sudan, Somalia, Jordan, and Egypt—all of whom have rejected receiving displaced Gazans. He described the removal of Gaza’s people as genocide, noting 60,000 have already been killed and hundreds of thousands wounded. Despite this, no deterrent response has come from the U.S., other countries, or Israelis.

 

He stressed the displacement plan’s impracticality: “After occupying and annexing Gaza, Israel plans to send survivors to countries like Egypt and Jordan, but these regimes oppose it for security reasons. The U.S. has tried to persuade them with threats and incentives, but failed. Jordan especially cannot absorb such a large population without destabilizing its society.”

 

‘ISRAEL DESTROYS EVERYTHING IT SEES AS A THREAT’

 

Dursunoğlu said Israel aims to eliminate all it perceives as threats; occupying Gaza means erasing two million people. He noted no power currently exists to stop Israel. “Previously, Syria was a barrier to Israel’s expansionism. But today’s Syria, under Bashar al-Assad, serves Israel’s security interests,” he argued. “No one can stop Israel now. If it cannot carry out this plan, it is because it lacks the capability, not because others stopped it. Therefore, resisting the occupation is the only option.”

 

MA / Esra Solin Dal